Discover the magic of the Best Cabbage Soup Recipe, a vibrant and comforting bowl that combines fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and hearty lentils to create a soul-satisfying meal. This soup is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, offering warmth and nourishment in every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to share with friends, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Best Cabbage Soup Recipe has been carefully chosen to contribute essential flavors and textures, creating a harmonious, hearty soup that dances on your palate. The simplicity of fresh veggies, spices, and wholesome lentils come together beautifully in this dish.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds subtle richness.
- Yellow onion (small dice): Adds a natural sweetness and depth when cooked.
- Carrots (small dice): Bring a tender crunch and vibrant orange color.
- Celery (small dice): Offers a fresh, aromatic undertone that uplifts the broth.
- Garlic (minced): Lends a lovely pungency and depth of flavor.
- Oregano: Adds an earthy, herbal note that complements the vegetables.
- Ground cumin: Introduces a warm, slightly smoky aroma.
- Paprika: Brings mild sweetness and a rich red hue.
- Cayenne (optional): Adds a subtle kick of heat if you like a little spice.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the soup’s flavor with concentrated tomato richness.
- Vegetable broth (preferably low sodium): The flavorful liquid base that keeps the soup light yet nourishing.
- Diced fire roasted tomatoes: Impart a smoky sweetness and chunky texture (regular diced tomatoes also work if preferred).
- Dried red lentils (rinsed): Pack the soup with protein and lend a silky heartiness.
- Small green cabbage (shredded): The star of the dish, providing slight crunch and earthiness.
- Lemon zest and juice: Brighten the soup’s flavors with refreshing acidity.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds a burst of fresh color and herbal lift at the end.
How to Make Best Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Base with Mirepoix
Start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, then add your diced onion, carrots, and celery. This trio, known as mirepoix, forms the foundation, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma as they soften for about five minutes. This step infuses your soup with depth and warmth right from the start.
Step 2: Layer in the Aromatics and Spices
Next, stir in minced garlic along with oregano, cumin, paprika, and an optional pinch of cayenne. Cooking these spices and garlic for about one minute unlocks their full fragrant potential, creating a vibrant, inviting base that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Broth
Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute while stirring constantly to meld its rich, tangy flavor into the mix. Then, pour in the vegetable broth alongside the diced fire roasted tomatoes and rinsed red lentils. This combination brings heartiness and texture, setting the stage for the soup’s comforting body.
Step 4: Incorporate the Shredded Cabbage
Gradually add the shredded green cabbage in batches, pressing each addition down to ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. This method helps the cabbage cook evenly, softening gently while retaining some of its natural crunch and vibrant color.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the pot to a boil before lowering the heat to let everything simmer covered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the lentils soften nicely, giving the soup a luscious, hearty texture that feels wholesome and satisfying.
Step 6: Brighten and Season
The final touch is adding lemon zest and juice, which adds a lovely brightness and lift to the deep, savory notes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
How to Serve Best Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley scattered on top is essential for adding a fragrant, herbal note that balances the rich flavors. If you’d like some extra zing, a tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can add texture and heat that pair beautifully with the soup.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a light meal on its own, but for a heartier experience, serve it alongside crusty bread or warm garlic naan. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette also complements its robust flavors and makes the meal feel complete and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For sharing with friends, ladle the soup into rustic mugs or mini cauldrons, garnished with a lemon wedge on the side for a customizable zest. You can also top servings with a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra creaminess and richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container to store in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weekdays or last-minute dinners.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of headspace for expansion. When stored properly, it will maintain its rich flavors and texture for up to 3 months, giving you easy access to a homemade, nutritious soup anytime.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to your desired consistency. Lemon juice can be added again after reheating to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cabbage for the Best Cabbage Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While green cabbage is traditional, savoy or napa cabbage can also be used and will give the soup a slightly different texture and look. Each variety adds its own charm, so feel free to experiment.
Is it necessary to rinse the red lentils before cooking?
Yes, rinsing red lentils helps remove any impurities or dust that may be present and prevents the soup from becoming too foamy or cloudy. Simply place them in a sieve and rinse under cold running water before adding.
Can I make this soup vegan and gluten-free?
This Best Cabbage Soup Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, provided you use vegetable broth that is gluten-free. It’s a wonderful plant-based meal that suits many dietary needs!
How can I adjust the spice level?
To make it milder, skip the cayenne pepper entirely. For a spicy kick, add more cayenne or a pinch of chili flakes when cooking the aromatics. Tasting as you cook is the best way to get it just right.
What’s the best way to reheat without losing flavor?
Reheat slowly over medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently. If the soup tastes a little flat after reheating, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can brighten the flavors wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Best Cabbage Soup Recipe is truly a treasure: nourishing, flavorful, and easy enough to whip up any day of the week. Its bright, warming qualities will have you reaching for seconds and sharing it eagerly with loved ones. Give it a try, and you just might find your new favorite go-to comfort meal!
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Best Cabbage Soup Recipe
A hearty and flavorful cabbage soup packed with vegetables, lentils, and aromatic spices. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal, combining tender cabbage with a rich vegetable broth, fire roasted tomatoes, and a hint of lemon for brightness.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, small diced
- 3 medium carrots, small diced
- 3 ribs celery, small diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green cabbage, shredded
- 1/3 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 lemon zest and juice (plus more as needed)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced fire roasted tomatoes (or regular diced tomatoes)
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
Instructions
- Make the mirepoix: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are just tender and fragrant.
- Cook aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for an additional 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add liquid and lentils: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Then add the vegetable broth, diced fire roasted tomatoes, and rinsed red lentils. Stir to combine.
- Add cabbage: Gradually add the shredded cabbage in batches, pressing each batch down with a spoon to fully submerge it in the liquid and ensure even cooking.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded.
- Season and garnish: Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of chili flakes.
- You can substitute red lentils with yellow lentils if preferred; just note that cooking times may vary slightly.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to better control the salt content in the soup.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months.
- Add additional lemon juice at the end for extra brightness and acidity according to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
